A mirrored medicine cabinet keeps your vanity as well groomed as you are, with storage for stashing toiletries out of sight. Building the cabinet yourself could save you hundreds of dollars. It means having a mirror cut to size or ordering one online, but the construction is straightforward.

If you decide to paint the cabinet, select a semigloss finish, which will stand up to moisture and regular cleanings. If you want the warm look of stain, use a wood with an even grain, like oak or cherry, and seal the cabinet with a water-resistant finish, such as lacquer or varnish.

Build the Frame

Step Two // How to Build a Medicine Cabinet

Build the Frame

Illustration by Gregory Nemec

Use a compound miter saw and a circular saw to size the pieces according to the downloadable cut list. Sandwich the top, bottom, and back of the cabinet frame between the sides, applying glue where they meet, and fasten them with 1½-inch brads. Position the cabinet's base board flush at the back, with a ¾-inch overhang on the front and sides. Glue it and nail it with 1¼-inch brads. Use ¾-inch brads to tack in the shelf supports at the height you like.

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Attach the Molding

Step Three // How to Build a Medicine Cabinet

Attach the Molding

Illustration by Gregory Nemec

Install the crosspiece flush at the top
of the cabinet frame with 1½-inch brads. Measure and cut crown molding to fit, making 45-degree miters at the corners. Install the molding ¾ inch from the bottom of the crosspiece with glue and 1½-inch brads.

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Construct the Door

Step Four // How to Build a Medicine Cabinet

Construct the Door

Illustration by Gregory Nemec

Dab the ends of the door rails with glue and clamp them between the stiles. Use a pocket-hole jig and 1¼-inch pocket screws to fasten the rails to the stiles.

Fill the holes with wood plugs. Position the masonite mirror backing with a ¾-inch gap around the perimeter, and tack it in place with ½-inch brads. Flip the door over, apply mirror adhesive to the back of the mirror, and lay it in place. Cut cove molding to fit the inside of the door frame, making 45-degree miters at the corners, and glue it in place. Fasten the hinges 3 inches from the top and bottom of the door and onto the cabinet frame. Install the door pull.

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Mount the Cabinet

Step Five // How to Build a Medicine Cabinet

Mount the Cabinet

Illustration by Gregory Nemec

Use a combination countersink bit and 2-inch wood screws to fasten the cabinet to the wall, making sure to hit at least one stud in two places and using wall anchors at the remaining holes.